NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n American Airlines<\/a> is leaning into nostalgia as it marks its upcoming centennial, unveiling a new set of retro-inspired trading cards for passengers.<\/p>\n Starting in early May, travelers will be able to collect the cards directly from pilots on select flights, with wider availability expected ahead of the summer travel season<\/a>, the airline said in a press release.<\/p>\n The cards feature a mix of modern aircraft and historic planes that helped shape the airline\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n POPULAR AIRLINE’S RETRO FOOD MENU SPARKS ‘GOLDEN AGE’ FLYING COMPARISONS AS PASSENGERS REACT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Alongside current fleet types such as the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787, the airline is releasing special edition cards highlighting vintage aircraft including the DC-3, 707-123 and MD-80.<\/p>\n “These trading cards are a culmination of 100 years of special moments shared between pilots, planes and passengers,” said Captain Alan Johnson, American\u2019s vice president of flight operations.<\/p>\n American Airlines is celebrating its upcoming 100th anniversary by introducing retro-style trading cards (pictured).<\/span> (American Airlines)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Each card includes an image of the aircraft, technical details and historical facts, giving aviation enthusiasts a collectible piece of airline history<\/a>.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Passengers are encouraged to ask pilots for the cards, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, the airline noted.<\/p>\n American plans to print millions of cards in time for summer, increasing the chances for travelers to get one.<\/p>\n Fox News Digital reached out to American Airlines for further comment.<\/p>\n Passengers may request the cards from pilots, with distribution occurring on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n On social media, aviation fans have already embraced similar offerings, with passengers frequently sharing videos of themselves asking pilots for trading cards<\/a> on flights.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Delta Air Lines has offered pilot trading cards for years and expanded the idea with a centennial-themed collection in 2025, distributing millions of cards to passengers.<\/p>\n Posts across platforms like TikTok show passengers requesting trading cards from pilots before and after their flights.<\/p>\n Beginning in early May, travelers may collect the cards directly from pilots on select flights.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fox News Digital previously reported that American Airlines began tapping into nostalgia earlier this year as part of efforts to enhance the passenger experience.<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The carrier introduced a retro-inspired in-flight menu<\/a> tied to its centennial celebration, with dishes debuting in February and expanding in the months that followed.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The offerings include items modeled after meals<\/a> from the early days of commercial aviation, such as beef Wellington, prawn cocktail and Waldorf salad.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"American](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1200\/675\/american-airlines-trading-cards.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1\")
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